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Alberta Open Farm Days events close to you this weekend

August 17 and 18 are Open Farm Days in Alberta
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The seventh annual Alberta Open Farm Days will be held on Aug. 17 and 18.

The purpose of the province-wide, two-day event is to showcase Alberta’s agriculture and tourism industry and it gives Albertans a chance to experience the farm and where their food comes from.

There are over 150 participating farms across the province, as well as 29 culinary events and 11 tours.

Culinary farm-to-fork events that highlight local ingredients have been popular at Open Farm Days. This year, six Alberta breweries have developed a craft beer featuring four Alberta-grown products.

The Open Farm Days cream ale showcases Alberta-grown wheat, oats, corn and haskap berries. The ale is available now at participating breweries and select restaurants.

“Alberta has some of the world’s best farmers, food producers and processors. Now is a great time to step up and show support for Alberta’s agriculture industry. I encourage Albertans to buy local food, meet a farmer in their community and get to know the people who put food on their tables,” said Devin Dreeshen, minister of agriculture and forestry in a press release.

The host farms will be providing open houses, tours and the opportunity to buy locally grown and handmade products.

“Open Farm Days is a fantastic event that gives Albertans a chance to get to know neighbours and learn where our food comes from,” said Tanya Fir, minister of economic development, trade and tourism in the release.

It’s also a great way to buy local and support our rural economy and agriculture sector, with fun events for the whole family.”

Some participating farms in the Ponoka area include Doornebal Dairy Ltd. on Saturday and Sunday, and the Canadian Juniors All Breed Heifer Show Farm in Bashaw on Saturday.

There are a couple farms in or near Wetaskiwin that are participating as well as one in Bentley and Blindman Brewing in Lacombe.

Admission to farms is free, but there may be costs for some activities and many are cash only.

Open Farm Days has taken place in Canada for over 10 years, starting in the maritimes and moving west.

Alberta Open Farms Days is a collaborative project presented by the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies, Travel Alberta and participating farms and ranches.

For a complete listing and other information, visit albertafarmdays.ca.

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Emily Jaycox

About the Author: Emily Jaycox

I’m Emily Jaycox, the editor of Ponoka News and the Bashaw Star. I’ve lived in Ponoka since 2015 and have over seven years of experience working as a journalist in central Alberta communities.
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